The human remains found at a Saanich property last week are those of missing Victoria man Dana McKellar, the B.C. Coroner’s Service confirmed Tuesday.

“It’s bittersweet,” said VicPD Inspector Keith Linder.

“This is someone’s father, someone’s son. It’s good for the investigation to locate him, but it is difficult for his family to have to let go of their hopes that he was still alive. It’s a small consolation for us that were are able to help bring him home.”

McKellar’s remains were found at a property in the 100-block of Goward Road last Thursday. The 51-year-old father was reported missing in September.

Through an investigation, it was later revealed that McKellar had been previous assaulted. As the investigation progressed, officers learned that there many be potential evidence on the Goward Road property.

On June 2, VicPD, Saanich PD and RCMP launched one of the largest searches undertaken on Vancouver Island is search of evidence of McKellar.

The investigation is continuing with police looking into how he died, how he ended up at the Goward Road property and who is responsible.